Brick and tile machine



(No Model.) 4 4Sheecs-Sheet 2.

1?. E. FREY.

BRICK AND TILE MACHINE. No. 320,865. Pafganted June 23, 1885.

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No. 820,865. Patented June 2385.

.dttorney (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

F. E. FREY.

BRICK AND TILE MACHINE. No; 320,865. Patented June 23, 1885.

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NITED STATES PATENT rrrcn.

FREDERICK E. FREY, OF BUOYRUS, OHIO.

BRICK AND TILE MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No.320,865, dated June 23,1885.

Application filed January 5, 1885.

The object is to construct a machine which in its combined and consecutive mechanical manipulation of the material shall thoroughly crush the crude stuff and deliver it tempered and formed into a tile on the cuttingtable, ready to be divided, as hereinafter fully described. It is also the object to construct a machine of which the different parts may be detached from operative connection, to effect a single step in the process of separation, or in which the parts may be used in combination to effect the consecutive steps of manipulationcrushing, tempering, forming, and division of the formed tiles. I accomplish these objects by means of the mechanism hereinafter described, which description I have concluded with a summary wherein are particularly pointed out and distinctively claimed the parts, improvements, and combinations of my invention. I have also fully demonstrated my improved machine in the accompanying drawings,to be taken as a partof this specification.

In the drawings, Figure l is a perspective of my combined machine. Fig. 2 is a plan view of a'section of the hopper, rollers, clodbreaking mechanism, and cleaner, and showing the gearing of the mechanism. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectionalview of a hopper, rollers, and 'clod-breaking device, taken through a central line drawn at right angles to the bearings of therolls. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the lower section of the tempering-chamber, and of the revolving shaft wit-h the blades attached in longitudinal sectional presentation, and of the fixed shaft with the conical end in sections, and also showing the cross-piece in position. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a section of the temperingchamber, showing the inte rior spiral ribs. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the (No model.)

top sections of the tempering-chamber. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the tempering-chamber taken through the line so a; of

Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a front view in elevation of the cross. Fig. '9 is a side view of the cuttingtable. Fig. 10 is an end view thereof.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one of the thimbles or spools on the cutting-frame. Fig. 12 is a view of the spider-bearing.

Similar parts shown in different figures of the drawings are identified by the same letters of reference.

In Fig. 1 of the drawings I have shown the completed machine, except the connections therewith of the cutting-table. (Shown in Fig. 9.) In this first figure the construction consists of a substantial base or shell formed with or having secured thereto a section of the tempering-chamber, prgvided with shaftbearings and having hinged thereto or otherwise secured the upper sections of said chamher, the hopper and mechanism being set in an inclined position upon the foundation and over the entrance to the tempering-chamber, and the shafts and concealed mechanism, all properly connected by gearings so arranged as to move the combined parts operatively.

More particularly describing the machine, the letter A represents the base orfoundation, which consists of a metal shellcast in a single piece, having flanges at the base with boltholes, through which it is securedfirmly in position. The upper part is formed with seats for bearings for the shafts which carry the driving-pulleys, a gear-wheel, and the tempering-worm, and the upper surface of this base-piece is adapted to sustain the supports carrying additional gearing and the frame of the rolling or crushing mill, as will be hereinafter more particularly described. 1

Cast integral with the base, or made as a separate part and then strongly and firmly secured to the base, is the lower section, B, of

thetemperingchamber. This sectionis'formed with lateral flanges extending along its length on both sides, and also flanged vertically about the ends, substantially as shown'in Figs. 1, 4, and 6.

The letter 0 represents the upper or top section ofthe tempering-chamber, formed with L t eral flanges about its edges on both sides and a vertical flange about its end, the side flanges corresponding with those on the bottom section, and both sections having their flanges perforated to receive fastening-bolts, by which the parts are secured together. These sections are hinged together at theback, substantially as shown in Fig. 6, in order thatexamination of the interior may be made by lifting the top section when necessary without en tirely removing it, and so that the uppersections may be returned to close the chamber with certainty in its position on the lower sec tion. The top section, 0, is formed with the aperture D, vertical walls a being formed on the shell about the aperture, as seen in Figs. 1, 6, and 7. r

In order that the movement of the clay may be expedited in the direction of the discharge end of the tempering-chamber, the interior of the chamber is formed or provided with a series of interior ribs, 1), spirally arranged and running in the opposite direction to the pitch of the mixing-k nives. These serve also as aids in pugging the clay and to prevent stones and other hard substances from catching the knives or propellers.

The general shape of the tempering-chamher is an important element in my invention, and is demonstrated in Figs. 1 and 4. It consists in a circular body in cross-sections, and having longitudinally for about half the length of the temperingchamber a cylinder, and then it is rather abruptly choked or contracted, and from thence it is extended as a cylinder and adapted to have secured to the end the formingchamber, the whole being a bottle shape, as seen in Fig. 1. The lower section, B, is formed with bearings a, and the upper section formed with caps to set over the shaft.

In the tempering-chamber, as an intermediate bearing for the shaft, I arrange aspider, D, formed with a central bearing, through which the mixing-shaft is passed, and having three or more arms, the ends of which are secured to the shell of the chamber and adjusted by nuts, as seen at a in Fig. 1. The upper or vertical arm of this spider-bearing is made hollow, the whole opening on the shaft to afford lubricating means. This bearing is not i always essential, as the two end bearings of the shaft are made large.

The object of the choke or abrupt contraction of the temperingehamber is to condense the clay as it is pushed forward by the knives and propellers from the first or enlarged section of the chamber into the smaller and contracted section thereof.

The letter E represents the pug-mill shaft, made hollow for its length and formed somewhat tapering in that part c to which the propeller or final forcing screw is attached, and also being interiorly cored out in the free end to receive a bushing or packing, as hereinafter stated. This shaft E has secured to it a number of narrow mixing-knives, d, which are arranged somewhat diagonally to the line of the shaft and extend for the length of the largest part of the cylinder of the pug-mill.-

These mixing-knives are succeeded by a series of smaller knives or wings, 0, arranged on and secured to the shaft similar to the firstnamed series, and these smaller are succeeded by the propeller or screw f. The knives or wings may be formed with flared bases adapted to slip in grooves formed in the shaft, or they may be secured to the shaft by bolts or screws. Motion may be communicated to the shaft by a pulley, 9, connected to the power, or other gearconneetions may be used.

The letter F represents a stationary shaft or bar passed through the core of the pug-mill shaft E, and held at one end in a bearing, h, and the other end being made of conical form, as seen at G, the end of the conical portion having a central threaded hole, 1', formed therein to receive andhold a threaded bolt projecting from' the end of the core-pin. Fitted about the cone and arranged between it and the core of the pug-mill shaft is a packing or bushing, j. This packing keeps the stationary rod and the rotary shaft in relative position and always concentric to each other. That end of the stationary rod or shaft F which rests in the seat It is formed with threads, and on the bar on each side of the bearing or seat is fitted a nut, It, by means of which the cone can always be adjusted and the relative positions of the parts be maintained. A core-pin, H, is inserted in the end of the cone and projects through the die out wardly, the projecting end being supplied with a nut, as seen in Fig. 1. This arrangement supports the core concentric with the die for making hollow pipes, bricks, 850. The object of the conical end of the-rod is that, by means of the adjusting-nuts or keys at the other end of the rod, the rod can be drawn back, and thereby always be maintained or adjusted concentric to the line of the shaft. This adjustability also affords compensating means for wear of contacting parts.

The letter I represents the die-chamber, in which is set the die, (here designated by 1,) through which the core-pin passes, and is'secured as heretofore stated. The chamber I consists of a cylinder having a flanged edge, m, to set against the end face of the temper ing-chamber, to which it is secured, and is formed with grooves or boxes at, arranged at points where right-angled radii intersect the rim. Each of these grooves or boxes has a set-screw, 0, fitted through them through the shell of the die-chamber.

The letter J represents a metal cross formed wit-h a central aperture, 1), and right'angle arms q, having ends formed to fit loosely in the grooves or boxes n in the die-chamber. The arms of this cross are arranged diagonal to the line of the shaft, the edge standing toward the propeller being sharp or thin, and the back being formed with a series of notches, serrations, or curves, as shown. The relative shape of the arms is shown in the small figures IlO of Fig. 8 of the drawings. This formation or set of the arms of the cross causes the clay as it is discharged from the propeller to strike against the sharp edges of the arms of the cross, which split it without a scraping tendency, as would occur'in straight bars, and permit the clay to readily unite again. It must be noticed that the,clay is discharged by the propellers in an angular direction, and subsequently assumes a straight course toward the die. If a straight bar with an abrupt face or square face is interposed, it acts to impede the course of the clay and to form a vacuum behind it, rendering the reunion of the material uncertain and often imperfect, while the arrangement of a diagonal bar with a comparatively-sharp edge to split the clay directs and permits the clay to continue its angular course beyond the cross-bracket and to then readily lap over it, going on a straight course in perfect union. This cross is used as an independent substitute to sustain the core and bar in proper position for certain classes of work.

The letter K represents the frame, which contains and upon which is mounted the crushing mechanism. This frame is set at an incline, as shown in Fig. 1, being sustained by and secured to the forward short posts, 1" r, and longer rear posts, 8, (only one being shown.) In Fig. 3 I have shown the crushing-mechanism separate from its connection with the tempering or mixing mechanism, and the frame being sustained on legs which may be secured to the shell of the mixing-mill, so that the clay shall be delivered from the rollers to the action of the mixers. Mounted in bearings t t on the frame are the rollers L L. These rollers are geared together by gearwheels to, fixed on projecting ends of the bearings, and on one of the shafts is a gear-wheel, M, which meshes with the gear-wheel N on the shaft which carries the mixing-knives and propellers.

The letter 0 represents the hopper, of usual construction so far as its sides and ends are concerned. It has an outlet, 1:, though which infrangiblc material may be drawn or discharged.

Sustained in bearings formed in the side pieces of the hopper, and arranged parallel with the axes of the crushing-rollers, is a shaft, P, provided with anumber of steel arms, w. This shaft has agear-wheel, Q, on the end which meshes with the gear on the roller-shaft, as seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and hinged to the end board or piece of the hopper is a metal plate, R, formed with a number of fingers, a", which are set apart, as shown, and so arranged that the arms of the shaft P shall pass through the spaces between them. Between this plate and the end piece of the hopper are one or more springs, I)", for the purpose of holding the board in proper position and-for giving it an elastic or yielding function. The purpose of this mechanism is to provide means to break lumps of hard clay, and to force the pieces through the spaces of the plate, while stones and other unbreakable substances are impacted by the arms,the plate being thereby depressed and the stones projected down over the crushing roller, from where they are removed by the scraper, as hereinafter stated.

The letter S represents the scraper, cleaner, or clearer. It consists of the handle c,having secured thereto the scraper d. This scraper is formed with a neck bent to fit over the roller and terminates in a head, 6, having its inner surfaces formed to fit the space between the two rolls,substantially as seen in Fig. 3. The handle of the scraper is let through an aperture made in the side of the hopper, and the tool is operated by grasping the handle and drawing the scraper toward the open sides of the hopper, which movement draws. the unbreakable or uncrushed material in the direction of and into the spout, from whence it is deposited outside of the machine.

In Figs.9 and 10 isillustrate'd my improved receiving and cutting table, adapted to be attached to and used in connection with the crushing and tempering mechanism heretofore described. In these figures the letter'A represents flanged wheels, connected by aXles in the usual mode and adapted to move on a track arranged for the purpose.

The letters B represent side pieces of the frame, connected by cross-pieces a and having secured to the outer side of each a block or standard, 0", which are journaled on the axles. These blocks or standards 0 have inclined tops d, on which rest the blocks hereinafter named, and are formed with outer vertical flanges to prevent the table from side displacement.

Theletter D represents blocks of a triangular form, each set being connected by a crosspiece, (2, set below the lines of their upper or horizontal edge, and arranged with their inclined lower edge on the inclines d of the standards 0, as seen in Fig. 9 of the drawings. The cross pieces of these triangular blocks are perforated in the middle, and one of them, at D, has a screw-threaded nut fitted in it, for the purpose hereinafter stated.

The letter E rep resents the upper frame, consisting of. substantial side timbers connected by cross-pieces and fitted to set between the triangular blocks and on the cross pieces which connect them. To each side piece of the upper frame, in the middle thereof, is rigidly secured a depending standard, H, which slides in a groove or rabbet in the side pieces of the lower frame, substantially as shown. These depending arms keep the upper frame always in direct vertical position. To the end of this upper frame is secured a bracket, F, for the purpose now about to be stated.

The letter Gr represents the screw-rod, provided with a crank-handle, as shown. This screw-rod is passed through a hole in the bracket F, thence through the threaded nut in the first cross-piece of the triangular block, and thence attached to the cross-piece of the ICC other triangular blocks, a collar being fitted on the ends of the inner face of the brackets to retain the rod and adapt it for the purposes intended. It will be readily seen that by turning the screw-rod by means of its attached crank the upper frame'of the cuttingtable may be raised or lowered and set at any desired height, and that in such operation the ends of the frame always maintain their vertical posit-ion relatively.

The letter 1 represents the cutting frame, made of wrought pipe, and hinged to the side pieces of the upper frame.

The letters K represent the wire -holding spools. These consist of a short band of metal split open for its entire length, and provided with perforated ears f on each side of the split, in which is fitted a thumb-screw, g, by which the screws may be loosened and moved to any part of the rod, and again tightened and secured, as desired. The cutting-wire is wrapped about the spool, and thus a supply is ready for use in case a strand breaks. It will be further seen that by loosening the spool and turning it upon the rod any desired tension may be given to the cutting part of the wlre.

By constructing and arranging the hopper and the contained mechanism to set at an incline I attain convenient access to the hopper and mechanism, and at all times have a ready view of the interior of the hopper.

Clay-crushing rollers have been used before in connection with anger tile-machines, the rollers being placed directly over the hopper in a horizontal position and closing up the machine and making it a part of the machine itself, and acting as a brake by permitting the clay to back up against it when fed faster than the machine could discharge it. This backing up or braking is a common occurrence in machines of such construction, as there are no means whereby it can be seen how full the machine is. To overcome these objectionable features I place the crushers on top of the hopper at an incline, so that one side is open, which position affords ready access to work the scrapers on the crusher. The amount of clay in the machine is easily observed, or the machine can be examined. N o clay can back up against the rollers, and the machine can be fed without putting the clay through the crusher-rolls, if desired, or at the opening in the pug-mill if the'qua'lity of clay will admit.

The operation of the several parts, as well as of the united and combined mechanism, is readily perceived from the descriptiomin connection with the drawings.

A summary of the operation may be stated as follows: The material is thrown into the hopper and onto the metal plate, where it receives partial preparation by means of the arms on the rotating shaft, from whence it passes forward and is subjected to the action of the crushing-rollers. The clay then drops into the tempering-chamber and is carried through that by means of the screw or blades, and passes out through the die onto the receiving and cutting table. By means of the fixed shaft with conical ends and adjustingscrews on the other end the alignment of the screw-shaft is maintained or corrected.

\Vhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The tempering chamber, comprised of the base A, adapted to have mounted thereon the shafts and gearing of the mill, the lower section, B, formed on and projected from the side of the base A, and the upper section, 0, formed with a receiving-aperture and hinged to the lower section, all substantially as described.

2. The combination of the rotating hollow shaft E, formed with a flaring core, as c, at its free end, and the fixed shaft F, formed with a flaring conical end, G, to set within the flaring core at the free endot the rotating shaft, substantially as described, and for the purpose stated.

3. In combination, the rotating hollow shaft E, provided with a packing-box fitted in the tube at the free end of the shaft and havinga centralflaring bearing, with the fixed shaft F, formed with a flaring conical end, G, having its seat within the packing-box and provided with adjusting-nuts at the other end, substantially as described, and for the purpose set forth.

4. In combination with the rotating shaft E, provided in its free end with a bearing, j, having a flaring bore, the fixed shaft F, formed with a flaring conical end, G, adjusted to the core of the conical bearing of the rotating shaft, substantially as described, and for the purpose stated.

'5. The metal cross J, having its arms formed elliptical in cross-section and set with a plain cutting-edge toward the tempering-chamber, with the side of the arms bearing diagonally to a line at right angles to the face of the cross and having the back edges of the arms irregular in conformation, substantially as described, and for the purpose stated.

6. In combination with the base A and the tempering-chamber B O, the crusher-frame K, arranged at an incline over the entrance to said chamber, substantially as described, and for the purpose stated.

7. In combination with the hopper provided with a perforation in its end board, and the crushing-rollers, the scraper or cleaner S, having ahandle, c, projected through the perforation in the side of the hopper parallel with the axes of the rollers and provided with the scraper (1, having its face set at right angles to the handle and formed with a neck bent to fit over one of the rollers and a head, 0, curved to set over the other roller, substan- IIO tiall y as described.

8. In combination with the hopper ofa claymill, a metal plate formed with fingers or rods and hinged to the edge of the hopper, an elastic support to sustain the plate, and a rotary shaft provided with arms arranged to pass between the spaces in the plate, substantially as described.

9. In combination with the hopper ofa claymill, a metal plate formed with fingers or rods and hinged to the ends of the-hopper, a spring interposed between the plate and the end of the hopper, and a rotary shaft provided with arms arranged to pass through the spaces between the fingers of the plate, substantially as described. Y

10. In combination with the temperingchamber or shell of a pug-mill, the frame K, mounted on the tempering-chamber in an inclined position, the hopper mounted on the inclined frame, the metal plate formed with fingers and hinged to the end of the hopper, and elastic support to sustain the plate in position, the rotary shaft provided with arms arranged to pass through the spaces between the fingers of the plate and the crushing-rollers, all substantially as and for the purpose stated.

11. The frame formed or provided with vertical side blocks mounted on axles and having inclined upper ends, the side blocks connected by cross-pieces and having their lower faces or edges inclined to set on the inclined ends of the lower side blocks, the upper frame set on the cross-pieces of the interposed sliding block and having depending side pieces fitted to grooves in the side pieces of the lower frame, and the operating-screws,

all arranged and combined substantially as set forth.

12. The wire spool or thimble K consisting of a cylindrical band open or split on one side for the length thereof and formed with threaded lugs provided with aset-screw, substantially as and for the purpose stated.

13. In combination with the cutting-table of a tile-making machine, a metal frame hinged to the side of the frame of the cutting-table and provided with spools or thimbles consisting of a cylindrical band opened or split on one side for the length thereof and formed with perforated threaded lugs having a setscrew, substantially as described and for the purpose stated.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed. my name in the presence of two at testing witnesses.

FREDERICK E. FREY.

Attest:

D. J. SHEOKLER, MYRTA FREY. 

